Tredecimosian Beastiary

The Direkind

Of the many types of magical and supernatural creatures found within the realms of Tredecimos, possibly one the most commonly found and hunted are the direkind. Also known as megafauna or RBAs (Really Big Animals), the direkind are roughly two to three times larger than the more common alphas of their respective subspecies; and are native mainly to the nature realm of Arboria. Though the direkind are usually found as alphas of their non-dire cousins or in groups of three at most, occasionally a pack may be found, led by an especially empowered omegadire; which is attuned to an element. This attunement can be reflected greatly by their appearance, temperament, and occasional usage of magic. Some speak of gargantuan omegadires, to which the size of the usual omegadire pales in comparison; and of those which have the apparent traits of multiple elements. Most, however, dismiss these legends as old wive's tales. Below are detailed the fourteen most commonly known subspecies of direkind, as well as the usual elemental attunement for each respective omegadire of the subspecies covered here.

Dire baboons are generally as tall as elves when standing fully upright, with elongated limbs which make climbing and feats of acrobatics a simple matter. Native to the forests surrounding Nordrasil; studies have shown that the usual elemental affiliation of an omegadire baboon is with the mind element. This is reflected by their tendency to stand without a slouch, their slightly engorged craniums, and their ability to read thoughts and emulate the language of those they come across; thus making them more intelligent than other omegadires, and arguably much more dangerous.

Dire badgers are generally about the size of a well-fed pig, and as a rule, don't seem to care much about anything. Native to the jungles of Clockwerkia, in which trees and vast structures of forged bronze intermingle; their elemental affiliation as omegadires is that of the time element. An omegadire Badger will be roughly as large as a bull, with bronze streaks in its fur, and gears which poke out of the metal parts of its hide. When in danger, the omegadire badger is known to simply stop time for a few minutes, and leave while time is stopped; taking their pack with them and leaving the predator confused.

Dire bats are generally around the size of an eagle, and inhabit deep subterranean tunnels around Dinm. The elemental affiliation of omegadire bats is darkness, reflected in their charcoal-black fur, dripping with a tar-like darkness which dissipates before hitting the ground. They have perfect darkvision, and when threatened can bring forth a cloud of magical darkness which is incredibly hard for most to see through.

Dire coyotes are roughly the size of a walrus, with elongated canine teeth. Native to the gale plains of Cheve; the omegadire coyotes are attuned to the wind element. When hunting, they use wind to launch themselves at their prey at incredibly fast speeds.

Dire goats are roughly the size of a well-fed cow, with horns longer than an antelope's; and are found in many mountain ranges. When provoked, they will usually ram into their prey, goring them with the aforementioned horns. If particularly famished, a dire goat will eat through most metals, including but not limited to armor and weapons made of mithril. The omegadire goat will be twice as large, with the elemental affiliation of rock; reflected by their stony horns, jagged stone protrusions extending from the joints, and ability to cause small, localized earthquakes.

Dire hogs are generally as large as an outhouse; and have long, sharp, thick tusks. These creatures may be found in mountain ranges and plains around Dinm. The elemental affiliation of the omegadire hog is flame. omegadire hogs are even more ill-tempered than dire hogs, have flames which constantly coat their mane and tail, and can occasionally spew small fireballs when threatened.

Dire kangaroos are usually taller than two Elves, and have more musculatore than a Troll. They hop around deserts, eating what they can. Though generally peaceful creatures, they can be very territorial once they make a home for themselves. Omegadire kangaroos are immersed with the element of light. One can make its hide radiate with bright light, illuminating even the darkest depths; and when threatened can emit a flare burst type of effect, blinding the predators for a short while.

Dire newts are roughly the size of a large chest, inhabit many areas near large bodies of water, and have an even faster healing factor than their non-dire cousins. This has led them to be hunted to near extinction at multiple points in Dinmian history. The omegadire newt is attuned to the element of water. They are much more relaxed than most omegadires, have a constantly shifting pattern reminiscent of a rushing river, and can contain themselves within a nigh-unpoppable water bubble to escape dangerous situations.

Dire sloths are roughly twice the size of a dire badger, and thrice as lazy. They inhabit jungles and forests around Dinm, usually sleeping for days or even weeks at a time. An omegadire sloth is aligned with the nature element. Dubbed "Shrub Sloths'', they have branches and leaves growing out of their backs, and will simply lay on the ground and pretend to be a bush when threatened.

Dire squirrels are roughly the same in size as a dire badger, yet much more energetic and ferocious. These saber toothed rodents seem to be more carnivorous than their non-dire cousins; and will sooner crack a skull for a meal than an acorn. Omegadire squirrels are attuned to the life element. Wielding powerful curative magic, they will usually flee and heal themselves when a fight is not going their way.

Dire tapirs are roughly the same in size as a dire hog, yet much more docile. They may be found near Shiftpoints and occasionally around mausoleums; seemingly guarding them. The omegadire tapir is attuned to the spirit element associated with Shamanism. When threatened, they can temporarily displace the predator's soul; effectively paralyzing them until the soul returns.

Dire vipers are larger and longer than boa constrictors, with very long fangs; and are found commonly in the Shimmerwild Tropics of Faerolia. The omegadire viper is attuned to the illusion element; and has a second venom sac full of powerful hallucinogenic venom.

Dire vultures are roughly half as large as a fully grown Roc bird, yet are easily distinguishable from up close by their difference in plumage. While not inherently violent, the dire vulture is very territorial. The omegadire vulture is attuned to the death element and when provoked can raise nearby skeletons to fight for them, albeit for a very short time.

Finally, Dire wolves are larger than a horse; run incredibly fast, and have very long, sharp fangs. They can be found all around the wilds of Dinm, and are vicious pack animals by nature. The omegadire wolf is attuned to the blood element. When in combat, an omegadire wolf becomes more powerful the more blood is spilled and soaked up by it. This parallel between the attunement of an omegadire wolf and the attunement of the Prime Spirit of Trivalis has led many to call Hematon the progenitor of Dire Wolves.